"vikings" Ghosts, Gods And Running Dogs(2019) Direct

One of the most praised aspects was Ivar’s evolution. In Russia, he meets Prince Oleg, a psychopath who acts as a reflection of Ivar's own past cruelty. Critics noted that seeing Oleg’s "monstrous inhumanity"—such as chaining his brother Dir like a dog—actually seemed to trouble Ivar, potentially humanizing him for the first time.

While some viewers on Reddit found his downward spiral into alcoholism and visions of his murdered lover "maudlin" or over-the-top, others found it to be a raw and disturbing portrayal of trauma. Common Criticisms

Despite some narrative complaints, the episode was lauded for its striking visuals, particularly the "apocalyptic" defeat of Bjorn's fleet in a harbor filled with fire and oil. "Vikings" Ghosts, Gods and Running Dogs(2019)

Some viewers on IMDb complained that the episode felt rushed, skipping significant time without proper flow and stripping characters of their depth to move the plot toward the series finale.

Reviewers from Den of Geek and Forbes highlighted several standout elements: One of the most praised aspects was Ivar’s evolution

Positive but cautious ("Better than last season, but still drifting")

Many fans enjoyed seeing Lagertha attempt a quiet life on her farm, only to be forced back into action to defend local widows from bandits. This "unearthing of the sword" was seen as a poignant return to form for her character. While some viewers on Reddit found his downward

" Ghosts, Gods, and Running Dogs " (Season 6, Episode 3) is generally regarded as a transitional but solid chapter that effectively balances multiple storylines, though some viewers felt the show began to feel "rushed" or "unfocused" in this final season.